Goodbye Oil Stains: The Pet Store Staple You Can Use To Clean Your Driveway

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Though it'll cost you dearly, you finally take the plunge and start removing and replacing your cracked driveway to boost your exterior's curb appeal. Alas, accidentally spilling gasoline while topping off your gas-powered lawn mower or another power tool will leave a huge stain on the newly installed surface. So will leaking transmission fluid or motor oil from your parked automobiles, essentially crushing your dreams of enjoying a spotless new driveway for at least a few years. Or, so you think. If you act fast, an old-school product can make removing oil stains from concrete a breeze: traditional kitty litter. Pour a generous amount on the affected areas and crush it in to lift the stains.

This is an economical, chemical-free way of cleaning your driveway. Plus, it's not too effort-intensive, though it might take a while, depending on the freshness level of the marks you're trying to get out. However, you won't achieve this result by using modern clumping variants made primarily of bentonite clay. For this hack, specifically buy the non-clumping variety, like this Fresh Step Extreme Clay Cat Litter. This is because such variants are made primarily of organic clay. As such, they're incredibly absorbent and will readily soak in the spilled or leaked oil, ridding your driveway of unsightly stains. Even then, keep in mind that this method can't entirely fix an asphalt driveway damaged by diesel oil or eliminate stains that have had months or years to set in. Also, remember that this hack is only suitable for concrete and asphalt surfaces; it isn't a feasible option for gravel driveways.

In case the stain is still fresh, grab an old, dry cloth and begin dabbing the area with it to remove as much excess oil as possible. Avoid rubbing the stain in, or you'll make things worse. Try working from the outside-in to truly make a difference. Then (this will be your starting point if the stain has seeped into the surface), dump a generous amount of non-clumping kitty litter on the spot to completely cover it. Now, put your tough boots on to break down the solid granules into dust. This will improve the litter's absorbency and allow it to soak in oil more quickly. If you don't want to dirty your shoes or don't have one that's heavy-duty, use a brick for similar results.

Either way, ensure the stain remains covered throughout. Once you're sure there are no granules remaining, step to the side and get your outdoor broom (or bristle brush) and a dust pan. Sweep up the fine dust to see if the stain is gone or whether you need to repeat the process (usually if the oil has penetrated the upper layers). If the latter is true, feel free to use the same dust again. Once the mark is gone entirely, your driveway will be back to normal. But that will only happen if you're dealing with a basic concrete surface or a gray path. Your colored driveway will assume a different tint (gray mostly) around the affected areas and require further cleaning.